I was a caregiver to my father. How can I support my mental health?
I feel like a unicorn. My trauma stems from my childhood. Diagnosed as HIV positive in the mid-eighties, my heterosexual father lived with the disease for more than ten years with me as a caregiver. Finding a counselor or support group educated on the impact of that specific trauma has been impossible. I would sincerely appreciate any recommendations or connections you can help me make.
Peace and love to all.
There is a community member who I think can relate, I will try to connect you. It is not easy at all and my heart goes out to you. In the meantime, I think this is a powerful piece about caregiving and the impact it can have on the caregiver - https://h-i-v.net/living/grief-lessons - I wonder what you think of what's here. - Liz (Team Member)
Thank you, Liz.
Alafia (Peace) I wish I had a recommendation for you, I have been living with HIV for 34 years and I have a 30 year old and 29 year old son's. They both were educated aged appropriately about HIV as they were growing up. They attended prevention group and planning council meeting with me and heard about HI and from people who ere living with HIV. I share with them my status when each of them were ten years old. I was always available to respond to their questions and concerns. They loved me before and after I shared my HIV status with them. Khafre (H-I-V,net Team Member)
Thank you! I know that my dad loved me and I loved him very much. People did not know anything about the disease back then and my entire family was the target of discrimination and we were not treated kindly. I just wish that there had been some sort of counseling or support for my sister, mom, and I. Fortunately, I am dealing with it now. 😀
Alafia (Peace) Its so good to hear that you are dealing with it now. It's never too late to work towards our own mental well-being. Good on you. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member) Alafia (Peace) I wanted to check in with you to see if you have found counseling that meets your needs? How are you feeling about things these days? Let us know. Khafre (H-I-V.net Team Member)
